When we arrived at the farmland, the sun was already shining brightly above the skies. The workers were busy cultivating, while some others were clearing a small bush beside the farmland. The sound of their tools hitting the ground and the smell of fresh earth filled the air.
David introduced me to the workers one after the other. Some of them were elderly men with wrinkled faces, while others were young men full of energy. There were also a few women among them, helping in different ways. As I greeted each one of them, I noticed the way their eyes studied me carefully, as if they were trying to figure out if I was really who David said I was.
One of the men, who looked older than the rest, pulled David aside and whispered something into his ear. Although he spoke softly, I was still able to hear a little of what he said. He asked David; "are you sure this stranger is your cousin? From the way he looks, he doesn't seem like one of us." David replied him calmly saying; "don't worry, he is safe." Even though he defended me, I could still sense that doubt was in the hearts of the people.
Later in the day, David asked me to join him in planting some seeds. As I bent down with him, I felt a sudden wave of weakness rush through my body. My vision became blurry and my head felt heavy. I dropped the seeds on the ground and almost fell, but David quickly held me by the arm. The workers gathered around, thinking I was sick.
At that moment, I felt the presence of the angel Gabriel near me, though I could not see him with my eyes. A voice spoke into my heart clearly saying; "Alfred, speak the word that I have placed in your mouth." With trembling lips, I raised my head and said loudly to the people; "this land will bring forth plenty in the coming season, because the Lord has decided to bless the works of your hands."
Immediately after I spoke, strength returned to my body. I stood upright again, feeling as though nothing had happened. The workers looked at me in amazement. One of them said; "how can you say the land will bring plenty? We have been struggling with drought for years." Another one added; "yes, the soil has been weak. How can you say it will suddenly bring plenty?"
I looked at them with confidence that was not my own, and I replied; "you may not believe me now, but soon you will see that the words I speak are not mine, but from the One who sent me." After I said this, silence fell on all of them. Some shook their heads in disbelief, while others murmured among themselves.
Later in the evening, after the work was over, David and I returned home. On the way, he kept looking at me as if he wanted to ask me something. Finally, he said; "Alfred, what really happened to you today at the farmland? You almost collapsed, then suddenly you spoke as though a great force was speaking through you. Who are you truly?"
I sighed deeply, then I told him; "I am not here by my own will. The angel of the Lord sent me, and His power works through me to confirm His words. What you saw today was not me, but God revealing Himself to the people." David kept silent for the rest of the journey, and I could see that his heart was torn between fear and wonder.
That night, after supper, David's wife Grace confronted me. She said sharply; "listen, Alfred. I don't know who you are, but I don't like strange things happening around my family. My children must not be exposed to any kind of danger. If you have powers, use them for yourself, but don't bring trouble into this house."
Her words pierced my heart. I understood her fears, but I also knew that the mission I was sent for could not be hidden. With a calm voice, I replied; "I mean no harm to you or your family. I was sent here with a message, and whether people believe or not, the truth will soon prove itself." She shook her head and walked away without saying another word.
When everyone went to bed, I remained awake in my room. I knelt by the bedside and prayed, saying; "Lord, I am weak and unworthy. Why did You choose me for this mission? The people doubt me, and even those who show me kindness are afraid. Give me strength, O Lord, to continue." As I prayed, I felt a warm presence around me. Though I saw no one, I knew the angel Gabriel was near, standing guard over me.
The next morning, something strange happened in the farmland. The workers discovered that the seeds we planted yesterday had already begun to sprout, even though it was too early for them to germinate. In less than twenty-four hours, small green shoots had broken through the soil. The workers were amazed and began to talk among themselves. Some said it was impossible, while others said it must be a sign from God.
When David heard the news, he looked at me differently. He did not speak, but his eyes said it all. He was beginning to believe that I was truly sent from God.
But not everyone was happy about it. The elder worker who had doubted me before gathered some men and said; "this stranger is performing strange acts among us. We must be careful. What if he is using evil powers to deceive us?" When I heard about what they said, I knew that my mission was not going to be easy.
That evening, while sitting outside the house with David, I told him; "there are two kinds of people that will hear the truth. Some will believe and be saved, while others will reject and mock. I must be ready for both." David nodded slowly, still deep in thought. Then he asked me quietly; "Alfred, if what you say is true, then how much time do we have before the trumpet sounds?"
His question struck me deeply. I remembered the instruction of the angel Gabriel clearly: I was not permitted to tell anyone the exact number of days. With a gentle but firm tone, I replied; "the time is nearer than you can imagine, but the exact day and hour has not been given for me to reveal. What I can tell you is this: prepare your heart, for the end is closer than you think."
David looked at me for a long while, then finally said; "if this is truly the word of God, then may He give us grace to be ready."